Effective strategies that enhance adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines

Mammography has long been recognized as the most effective cancer screening modality. Nevertheless, substantial numbers of women either do not utilize mammography or do not do so in compliance with recommended screening guidelines. A substantial body of literature has been published that discusses strategies likely to be effective in increasing mammography screening. Health care provider recommendation for a mammogram is the single most effective intervention. This paper reviews the more recent literature to highlight a selection of the additional strategies that are most likely to be effective among all women, and among women of various vulnerable cultural and population subgroups. African American, Hispanic, Pacific Asian, and Native American communities are included in the discussion. The paper also addresses other communities with special needs, such as those who are lesbians, elderly, low users of health services, and those who are physically or mentally challenged.